Key Staff Profiles
Rene Pax
Executive Chef
Executive Chef Rene Pax has had a passion for food and cooking since his early days in Brussels, Belgium. “As a child growing up, my family all had business that involved food products of some sort. I spent a lot of time in the pastry and butcher shops they owned, and so the idea of being a chef seemed like a natural progression”, says Pax.
Whether he’s overseeing a dinner for 8…or creating a menu for 800, Chef Pax infuses every experience with flavors both international and local, all served up with New South Style. ‘I’ve been fortunate to work in many beautiful and exciting places and I’ve worked with some wonderful people along the way. One consistent thing is: I love to cook. Whether it’s food with an international flair, or fresh local cuisine doesn’t matter too much…but I do love a really good sauce. That’s one of my favorite things to create and share with our guests’.
After studying and honing his skills at both Hollings College in Manchester, U.K. and the C.E.R.I.A. Hotel School in Brussels, Chef Pax took his talents on the road, creating unique dining experiences in various locations across Europe, as well as in Qatar and Africa, including the kitchens of Hilton and Starwood Hotels. His 21 year Renaissance career brought him to the United States, and the Renaissance Waverly Hotel has been very fortunate that he has called our kitchen ‘home’ for the past 8 years. Chef Pax resides near the hotel, in Marietta, Georgia.
“The Waverly’s tradition of culinary excellence is due in large part to Chef Pax”, says general manager, Joe Uhl. ‘His experience, passion and skill combine to create a truly memorable dining experience for our guests, one that is fresh every time. It’s one of the many reasons our guests come back again and again’.
Marie-Cecile Pradeau-Valeruz
Senior Event Manager
As a member of the Renaissance Waverly Hotel’s Certified Wedding Planner team, Marie is known for going the extra mile for all her customers, but especially her Brides, Grooms and their families. “I always remember how special my wedding day was~ all my life I had dreamed of getting married in this special church in my hometown in France. Seeing my fiancé Maximilian in that church was the most magical feeling, and then we celebrated with family and friends for 5 days. It was such joy and so much fun; I try to make sure that the service that I provide, as well as the service of our entire hotel team, helps my wedding clients have that same feeling”, says Marie. “It’s their wedding day, and it has to be perfect!”
A native of France, Marie studied in Paris and graduated with a degree in Hospitality Management. While studying, she always dreamed of pursuing her career in the United States. That became a reality in 1999, as she began her career with Marriott and Renaissance Hotels. Since then, Marie has never stopped as she strives for guest satisfaction and service excellence.
Marie’s dedication and hard work has been recognized twice by her hotel peers as Manager of the Quarter, and she has also been recognized by Marriott International as a recipient of Marriott’s Golden Circle Award for excellence in guest service and customer satisfaction. In 2007, Marie received the honor of a nomination as part of Best Team Wedding Effort by weddings professionals at the 18th Allie Awards, celebrating weddings excellence.
Marie resides near the hotel in Lawrenceville with her husband, Chef Maximilian Valeruz, and their 2 beautiful daughters Sophie and Estelle.
Kelly Blaser
Catering & Weddings Specialist
Kelly attended Auburn University where she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Hotel and Restaurant Management, and a minor in Business and International Human Sciences.
Upon joining the Event Management Team at the Renaissance Waverly, Kelly took to her new role quickly and transitioned into a first class Event Manager in the Atlanta Market. Kelly has had the pleasure of working with an array of culturally diverse clients and has experienced many beautiful weddings filled with all the richness and traditions of blending families together.
One of her goals in assisting her client's with their wedding planning is that their wedding be as stress-free as possible so that the bridal couple can relax and enjoy time spent with family and friends in celebration of their wedding day in a grand and festive way. With great organizational skills, integrity, and personal care and interest of her clients, she is able to put everyone at ease so they are able to cherish the lasting memories of a Renaissance Wedding.
Kelly is dedicated and passionate about weddings; she is focused on listening to her clients needs in order to make this once in a lifetime experience as unique and special as each of her bridal couples.
Tammie Guthrie
Senior Sales Manager, Catering
With more than 22 years with Renaissance and Marriott Hotels and Resorts, Tammie understands that your "wedding day" is the most important day of your life. Beginning her career in Food and Beverage Operations, Tammie has also added Executive Meeting Manager, Catering Sales Manager, Event Manager and Group Sales to her resume. She eventually returned to her true passion, Catering Sales.
Tammie's unique experience of event planning and catering sales makes her the best kind of Catering Sales Manager, one that knows what you need before you do. She has partnered with some of Atlanta's top professionals in the wedding industry and is an expert in the Atlanta wedding market with a wealth of knowledge to assist you every step of the way.
Tammie is an active member of the National Association of Catering Executives focusing on community service, and a Certified Wedding Specialist. She has received numerous awards for providing outstanding customer service to her clients. Tammie is a proud recipient of Marriott's prestigious Golden Circle Chairmen's Level Awards.